[7]

Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling star as private detectives who team up to solve the mystery of a missing porn star in this comedy/action/buddy flick from writer/director Shane Black (Lethal Weapon, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang). Black does a terrific job showcasing the characters in a twisty-turny plot that could easily have bogged things down. Crowe and Gosling have enough charisma and chemistry to make me want to see a sequel (though box office returns make that seem unlikely). With Black’s name attached, I was hoping to see some more elaborate action set-pieces, but the nifty 70s wardrobe and art direction (and music!) make up for it. And I love how Gosling’s character’s young daughter (Angourie Rice) is along for the ride throughout most of the movie. She becomes pretty much the heart and brains of the operation, but without completely relegating Crowe and Gosling’s characters to the ‘dumb brute’ stereotypical male heroes. With Matt Bomer, Keith David, and Kim Basinger.